Why are porn video channels so popular?

The popularity of porn video channels on Telegram is explained by several key factors:

1. No strict moderation until 2024. Until August 2024, Telegram practically did not struggle with channels and bots that distributed pornographic content. This has become one of the key factors in their popularity. The platform made it easy to share videos, photos, and even streams without fear of being blocked. Many people used this opportunity by creating thematic communities that quickly gained subscribers.

1. Anonymity and security. Telegram provides a high level of privacy. Users could subscribe to channels, chat with bots, and download content without revealing their identity. This created a sense of security, which additionally attracted the audience.

1. Accessibility and variety of content. Channels and bots provided content for every taste: from popular videos and amateur shoots to unique materials unavailable on other platforms. Some even specialized in exclusive videos from popular platforms like OnlyFans.

1. Monetization. Many channel administrators have found ways to make money from the content. This could be paid participation in closed groups, the sale of subscriptions, or the use of bots that provide access to videos for money.

Pavel Durov's arrest on August 24, 2024 in France is directly related to allegations of insufficient moderation of prohibited content on the Telegram messenger. The French authorities charged him with complicity in the distribution of materials related to the exploitation of children and in facilitating drug trafficking, which, in their opinion, became possible due to the lack of proper moderation on the platform.

After Durov's arrest, Telegram took steps to strengthen content moderation. In particular, the "People nearby" feature was removed, as well as tightened measures to control the exchange of content on the platform.

Thus, Pavel Durov's arrest was the result of accusations of insufficient moderation of prohibited content on Telegram and led to increased measures to control and remove such content on the platform.

The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, is known for his libertarian approach and minimal moderation. This was the reason that until 2024, the platform did not actually interfere in the activities of such channels, except in clear cases of violation of the law.

However, everything changed after Durov's arrest in August 2024. Government agencies and international organizations began to put pressure on Telegram, demanding that illegal content be blocked.

1. Telegram initially positioned itself as a platform focused on user privacy. Main Features:

1. Secret chats with end-to-end encryption.

1. Channels and groups, including closed ones, which can accommodate hundreds of thousands of participants.

1. The lack of a transparent mechanism for monitoring content within channels.

These features have become attractive to users who want to share content, including illegal content. However, Telegram did not pay due attention to the creation of tools for filtering pornographic or other prohibited materials, citing the priority of privacy.

2. Commercialization and data volumes

Telegram has a huge user base — more than 700 million active users in 2024. Managing this amount of data poses a serious technical and organizational challenge.

3. Problems of legislative regulation

Telegram has avoided strict regulation in various countries. However, countries such as Russia, Germany, and India have repeatedly stated the need to block pornographic and extremist content. Telegram turned a blind eye to:

1. Content distributed through private groups and channels.

1. The use of the platform to distribute materials related to the exploitation of children, which has caused widespread criticism.

Despite pressure from government agencies, Telegram has repeatedly stated that it does not violate laws, citing technical limitations for mass monitoring.

Telegram has stepped up its fight against banned content, which has led to a significant increase in the number of blockages. Channel and bot administrators must now follow strict rules.:

Prohibited content:

1. Child pornography. Telegram categorically prohibits materials involving minors. This was one of the key reasons for Durov's arrest: the platform could not cope with the distribution of such videos.

1. Violent materials. Videos with elements of violence or coercion are also strictly prohibited.

1. Content that violates copyrights. Licensed videos from paid platforms may be deleted without the permission of the copyright holders.

Acceptable content:

1. Materials from OnlyFans and other adult platforms. Personal porn created by adults, subject to their consent to distribution, can be posted on Telegram platforms. This includes channels where videos with popular models and bloggers are distributed.

1. Content that does not violate the laws. If the video or photo does not contain prohibited elements and is distributed in accordance with the rules of the platform, it will not be blocked.

After Pavel Durov's arrest and the tightening of control over the platform:

1. The number of channel blockages and bots violating the rules has increased.

1. Telegram has introduced new tools for automatic content monitoring.

1. Users have become more cautious in distributing materials.

However, despite the changes, Telegram is still a popular adult content platform due to its flexibility and ease of use.

Channels and bots with porn videos on Telegram have become popular due to weak moderation, anonymity and accessibility. However, the situation changed dramatically after Pavel Durov's arrest and the tightening of the platform's policy in 2024.

Now Telegram is trying to comply with international standards and blocks prohibited content, which has made the platform safer, but at the same time has left opportunities for the legal distribution of adult content.